How Aston Villa can agree new Harvey Elliott deal after Liverpool talks revealed
Liverpool should increase the number of games Harvey Elliott can play for Aston Villa before his obligation-to-buy clause is activated.
That is according to former Villa, Everton and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, who exclusively told Football Insider that would be the fairest outcome for all parties.
Elliott joined Unai Emery’s side on loan from Liverpool at the end of the summer transfer window after falling out of favour at Anfield.
An obligation-to-buy clause was included in the deal, meaning Villa will have to pay £35million to make the move permanent if he makes 10 appearances this season.
The 22-year-old has made seven appearances since making the move to Villa Park, but he hasn’t been included in the past two matchday squads as the West Midlands giants don’t want to trigger the clause.
Why Aston Villa must agree new Harvey Elliott deal
Speaking in a press conference last week, Emery called on Liverpool to change the terms of the loan agreement after insisting it is “damaging” for Elliott.
The Villa boss revealed talks between the two Premier League clubs have been ongoing for three months, but an agreement is yet to be reached.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness discussed how the situation can be resolved.
“Well, I think it’s both clubs,” said Wyness.
“They have really got to be sensible, look at the kid and his own future. They’ve got to do what’s best for him to a degree. This is one case where I actually do feel a little bit sorry for the player.
“He thought he was going to make the move, get his 10 appearances and that he’d play a bigger role than that with Villa.”
How many games Elliott could play in new Aston Villa deal
Wyness has suggested how many games Villa and Liverpool could extend the agreement to, allowing Elliott to play more football this season.
“I think it would be fair to put him up to 15 or 20 appearances,” said Wyness.
“Then I think from Liverpool’s point of view that if he’s doing well, it will increase his value in the summer for other clubs that could come in.
“But I think there could be a deal done, and I think we should be able to get there.
“Both clubs have got an interest in getting this done, so they have just got to work it out and go on from there.”
Elliott’s most recent appearance came as a late substitute in Villa’s 1-0 defeat against Brentford earlier this month.
For more expert analysis on Elliott’s situation, check out Villa News.